I have a question regarding the legality of a specific archery weapon that I haven't seen mentioned before on the forum. Before I discovered Belegarth, I was a fan of hunting using the Pathfinder Pocket hunter. This is a brand of sling bow [a bow modified to shoot arrows]. The Pocket Hunter maxes out at 30lb at 28 inches, within the legal parameters. It's arrow rest also acts as a draw stop, preventing the user from drawing passed the 28 inch mark. I've attached a link to a picture as a reference.

I've yet to see this weapon used in any foam fighting sports [I have some limited experience outside of Belegarth with Amtgard and Darkon] and am curious as to whether this would pass any weapon inspection passed a local level. Thanks in advance for the help!

That's not what a draw stop is, and I'd wager that an arrow picked at randomly would pass through that hole. Do you have a link to a purchasing website? I'd also wonder if the bands would damage the nock of the arrow. nocks are needed for passing arrows.

True, but if you want to be a stickler for materials used in Blegarth, almost everything used in the building materials for weapons nowadays would be disqualified. I'd understand the argument for something like SCA, but you'd be hard pressed to convince me in this context. I'll try bringing it to Muxlovia this coming saturday and see how it performs in the field and gauge a few people's impressions. I'd really like to see more people using these since they're affordable, easy to use, and above all, conform to the safety standards.

What we make our equipment from has little to do with the historicity we're aiming for. As you pointed out we aren't the SCA, but Belegarth is still a medieval themed sport. Something like this seems far too modern to fit in on the field. I'm sure they'd be perfectly safe and playable.

As far as drawstops, Tails, I think that most stops would catch on the handle, just before the eye, in the same manner that they catch on arrow rests on our current bows.

_________________Realm of Carthage War Council RepresentativeSquire to Sir Morpheus of Wolfpack of the High Plains

I brought the sling bow to a Muxlovia practice this evening and was informed by another fighter who owned the exact one I did that they are typically allowed for practices in most cases, but will not pass a weapons check for a major event for the lack of historical accuracy.

Despite not being a valid choice for any event, I still recommend them for teaching fundamentals of archery to newer fighters since much of the skill set transitions easily to bow with the added bonus of being 1/3 to 1/2 the price of most bows.

Many of the important fundamentals of archery as they relate to our game have to do with how to use a bow safely during combat. This wouldn't help teach those, and might contribute to bad habits. For that reason, I wouldn't allow this on our field, and I strongly encourage other realms to do the same.

I very much agree with this. Why would I use and allow the use of equipment not for the national field? Practice is for events. While I understand the idea of lowering barriers of entry they are pretty low if you know who to ask and where to look.

_________________Sir Oroku Norinaga, KBMC, OGOTertiary Knight of the High Code"You do not have to be a squire to start learning to be a knight. Take your time and make good decisions."-UricSeneschel of Stygia